Colorado Springs

The scenery on this train run was quite different to the ones we had travelled before. The main difference was the flatness and openness. Often we travel for a while just seeing trees but this time you just saw open plains and the distance going on for what looked like forever. Willow pointed out cows and goats, because you don't see them every day do you. We had Magic with us again so managed to get off to walk him when the train stopped for a water stop, it was during one of these that we saw Tigger go past driving a freight train. And yes I mean the T. I. double grr. er. Tigger. The things you see on a train run!! So it is flat for so long and then in the distance you see mountains, big mountains. The Rocky Mountains and it all changes again.



So I have described train yards, dusty dirty places. Well Colorado Springs is the crème de le crème of train yards. Yes we are still on the parked on the grey rocks that you never seem to get use to having under foot, a total pain to walk on especially if you are rushing to get to the bus, but within a minute of stepping off the train we are a a wonderful park. Not just a strip of grass but a real park with a pond (which was called Willow pond due to the willow trees all around it) with ducklings and goslings swimming, blue herons standing on one leg, a turtle sunbathing on a rock, a children's play park with sandpit, an outdoor swimming pool, ornamental gardens, a nice river and loads of walking trails. We really don't get this on our doorstep ever so we made the most of it, even sitting by the duck pond to do school work. We spent quite a bit of time at the duck pond in the evening watching beavers play. They came right up to us on to the path. Yes I have seen beavers in zoos but to see a wild one in its own habitat so close was truly amazing and right on our door step. Even closer to our door step was a deer just wandering past the train and as I squealed at Willow it actually stopped and stared at me through the window, probably thinking 'mad human'.



Looking out the other side of the train is the most amazing view of the Rocky Mountains. It truly is spectacular to see snow peaked mountains so close, practically living in its shadow. I will be doing something and see them out the corner of my eye and remember they are there and just stop and take the sight in. I wonder if people who live here ever get bored of looking at them.



On the other side of the river we could walk down town, and what a lovely walk it was. It was an OK down town though nothing too exciting. Some old book stores, toy store, a couple of comic stores, some hippy shops, and loads of climbing, bike and walking stores. Colorado Springs seems to have a very large running/biking community which was very noticeable along the river trails in the evening.

We didn't manage to get right into the Rocky's and visit Pikes Peak but we did go to The Garden of the Gods which was pretty amazing. Tweedy also managed to take in some amazing views while white water rafting. Quite a large group went and it looked like they had a brilliant time.



With Willow not having to go into school this week, due to the lack of a teacher we only actually went into the building twice this week. Once of the first day and again on the last. It was quite pretty at the building being even closer to the Rocky's than at the train, but it was so peaceful and pretty by the train even the lure of Target didn't drag me in.



Again we leave a City to soon, I would have loved to have spent longer here but the next stop is Las Vegas which is exciting so makes leaving a little easier.